Establishing a clinical service for the management of sports-related concussions

Neurosurgery. 2014 Oct:75 Suppl 4:S71-81. doi: 10.1227/NEU.0000000000000471.

Abstract

The clinical management of sports-related concussions is a specialized area of interest with a lack of empirical findings regarding best practice approaches. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Concussion Program was the first of its kind; 13 years after its inception, it remains a leader in the clinical management and research of sports-related concussions. This article outlines the essential components of a successful clinical service for the management of sports-related concussions, using the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Concussion Program as a case example. Drawing on both empirical evidence and anecdotal conclusions from this high-volume clinical practice, this article provides a detailed account of the inner workings of a multidisciplinary concussion clinic with a comprehensive approach to the management of sports-related concussions. A detailed description of the evaluation process and an in-depth analysis of targeted clinical pathways and subtypes of sports-related concussions effectively set the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation model used in Pittsburgh today.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Brain Concussion / diagnosis*
  • Brain Concussion / therapy*
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods
  • Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sports Medicine / methods
  • Sports Medicine / organization & administration*